Week 1

Session 1: Today we will start by introducing ourselves and discussing the goals of the class. User centered interface design (UCID) is an established field that has evolved from user-centered design (UCD) concepts including use cases which have been in use, particularly in software development, since the early 1990s.

Reading:
User-Centered Design Encyclopedia Chapter
Google Glass

Session 2: Today in class I will briefly describe the reading assignment and discuss the requirements for the first concept summary. All writing assignments should be formated using MLA (Modern Language Association) 7. Also review the Purdue OWL MLA Guide.

Here are a few discussion points from the reading:

• Make it easy to determine what actions are possible at any moment.

• Make things visible, including the conceptual model of the system, the alternative actions, and the results of actions.

• Make it easy to evaluate the current state of the system.

• Follow natural mappings between intentions and the required actions; between actions and the resulting effect; and between the information that is visible and the interpretation of the system state.

Concept Summary #1: User-Centered Design Encyclopedia Chapter
Due: Week 2, Session 2 (at the beginning of class)

Write a one to two page concept summary of the User-Centered Design Encyclopedia Chapter assigned on Week 1, Session 1. Pay particular attention to the involvement of users in the design process.

1. Use MLA 7 format for your summary and works cited.
2. It is acceptable to quote the reading, but at least 80% should be in your own words.
3. Avoid platitudes or clichés like “very” or “everything happens for a reason”.
4. Bring in a stapled paper copy on the day it is due.

Assignment 1: Photo examples of good/bad UCD
Due: Session 1, Week 2 (at the beginning of class)

Take photographs of six examples of good and/or bad examples of UCD that you use regularly. Do not include software (i.e. no mobile phones, game consoles, or computers). Also, include multiple examples that are not electronic devices. Be prepared to show and discuss your examples as they relate to the concepts presented in the reading assignment. Place the photos in a folder on the drop off drive under /John Keston/IM2440/<Last, First>/Assignment 1/ before class on Week 2, Session 1.